The Acropolis Hill is one of the most important archaeological sites in Iran, located in the heart of Susa (Shush), on Taleghani Street, Khuzestan Province. The term Acropolis is of Greek origin, meaning “the highest point of the city”, typically referring to fortified royal or religious centers.
While the name is Hellenistic in origin, the site itself predates the Greek era by millennia, as it was a central part of the Elamite capital and later evolved under several great empires of the ancient world.
Archaeological research has revealed 27 cultural and occupational layers on the Acropolis Hill, making it one of the richest stratified archaeological sites in the Middle East.
These layers include the following historical periods:
Islamic Period
Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE)
Parthian Empire (247 BCE – 224 CE)
Seleucid Period (312–63 BCE)
Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE)
Elamite Civilization (circa 2700–539 BCE)
Each layer represents a unique phase in the evolution of Susa, both as a political center and a cultural crossroads between Mesopotamia and the Iranian Plateau.
Excavations on the Acropolis Hill of Susa have unearthed extraordinary artifacts that shed light on the city’s status as a hub of religious, legal, and artistic significance.
Key discoveries include:
The Statue of the Immortal Queen: A masterfully crafted Elamite statue, likely representing a royal figure deified in religious rituals.
Hammurabi’s Law Tablet: One of the earliest legal codes in human history, brought to Susa as a spoil of war by Elamite rulers from Babylon. It illustrates early governance and legal philosophy.
Susa Pottery Glass: A fine example of Elamite glass-making skill and decorative art, showcasing detailed patterns and glazing techniques.
These artifacts are now preserved in museums such as the Louvre Museum (Paris) and the National Museum of Iran.
The Acropolis Hill of Susa was not just a residential or administrative zone—it was a ritual and ceremonial center, housing temples, palaces, and storage rooms. The diversity and richness of the site have helped scholars understand the continuity and transformation of civilization in Susa over thousands of years.
The site’s proximity to the Royal City of Susa and the Apadana Palace makes it part of a larger archaeological complex, often explored together by historians and tourists alike.
The Acropolis Hill of Susa is open to visitors and is often included in cultural and historical tours of Susa. Due to its outdoor nature and historical sensitivity, it is recommended to visit during cooler seasons and with a licensed guide for full historical context.
To explore more about the broader historical complex of Susa and the Acropolis Hill of Susa, visit the UNESCO World Heritage page on Susa.
